This review may contain spoilers
Incorporates Many Aspects I Didn't Think They Would
(Very Light Spoilers!) Unexpected surprises in this series! A perfect slice-of-life genre!
I did not expect them to talk about life, discuss various relationships, autonomy of one's own body and love and choices, even older generation talking and understanding about their children's life.
I loved it.
Krist's acting can be a bit of cringey at times but I will give him benefit of doubt because I believe the character he is playing is supposed to be like that. Krist's character is immature, whiny and self-deprecating. While I can dislike the continuous negative self-talk, I can empthaize with him.Because only if you are in a disadvantaged position and a bit accustomed to stay in your own head, that is how you will act.
Also, it is Kawi's predicament that has made him cynical. His mother left him, his father is sick and they never had enough money and people tell him that he is ungrateful son because he has chosen a stream to study that is not very lucrative in job market (this part hit me the most because I find many similarities with my country and the people's mindset here) .
It is really easy to fall into self-deprecating behaviour. It is his own insecurity that makes him stay away from people in fear of judgement.
And as a side effect, that distance creates a rift among people who could have actually helped him.
Krist's acting has become very natural. He does not shy away from the bold scenes. Even though there is not much, he has become far better since SOTUS. I found Kawi to be a great character full of follies and foibles who slowly understands and rectifies his mistakes.
Gawin Caseky is brilliant. I am his fan since NOT ME Series and he did not disappoint.
Aou as Max is probably my most favourite character aside from Kwan. He plays the role of the conscience in the story, giving advice, pointing at the mistakes and lending a helping hand whenever needed. Aou looks fabulous, acts even better. Whoever designed his costumes and did the hairstyle deserves a raise.
I will add my precious feelings for Kwan. She is a great friend to Pear, protects her when needed, throws great sardonic punchlines and sees good in people even when those people have hurt her. The actress of Kwan Justina Suvanvihok is not a brilliant actress but she has been an assistant director and screenwriter previously. Colour me surprised!
Absolutely amazing how they gave space to talk about the side characters. I feel the female characters in BLs are often not much talked about in the plot. But we see a beautiful storyline for them too. I saw Aye first in A Tale of Thousands Stars as Torfan and while she had very little space to act her parts, she definitely shined. I am so happy to see her in this series where even though she is a support character, she has her own story and arc. And she did it deftly.
Overall I absolutely enjoyed the message of the story.
The shots, the lighting, the locations are well chosen. Especially the last scene where they are sitting in a beach, WHAT A SHOT! Extra props for Krist and Gawin's improptu singing. I loved the OST and bgms.
I gave it a whopping 8 out of 10. Well deserved.
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